Inspirations for the research 2 - Treasure Baskets

Elinor Goldschmied devised the Treasure Basket as a means of providing babies with everyday objects to be explored. The objects chosen for the Treasure Basket are 'found' items made from natural materials - no plastic things or manufactured toys are included. With an adult carer close by and attentive, although not interfering, a baby or small group of babies can investigate the contents of the basket using all their senses and their developing manipulative skills.

The contents of a Treasure Basket can absorb a baby's attention for up to an hour, or even more. This engagement is also seen when toddlers become involved in heuristic play - selecting and experimenting freely with found materials and developing understandings of the world around them. Observations of children show that this type of play involves concentration, decision making and rich sensory experience plus opportunities to practise hand/eye coordination and fine motor control.

Treasure Baskets and heuristic play have been part of early years training and practice for more than twenty years and so, in our research, we anticipate that one key use of reclaimed materials in early years settings will be as provision for this type of play activity.